Carduelis tristis (American Goldfinch)

I sometimes forget to appreciate the lovely goldfinches that grace my yard and feeders all year long. While they are somewhat drab in appearance in the winter, when they shed their winter coats to don their dating plumage, they are splendid. I chose this shot today because you can also see his beautiful wing feathers and his jaunty black cap.

A few other interesting facts... this is the New Jersey state bird. It is the latest breeding bird in N. America, often not fledging it's brood until September when thistle is at its peak. It's latin name (tristis) derives from it's mournful call note. American goldfinches are highly social birds except during the period when they are constructing a nest, when males will chase other males from their territory; the rest of the year they are commonly found in flocks.

Two other pictures on Flickr... American Goldfinch showing a partial molt and a rather handsome red House Finch

An early blip for me today ... we are in full production for the dreaded-garage sale tomorrow! Then, tonight we are getting together with some friends for a farewell dinner for Hubs.

Hoping all of my American friends are having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend; and for my friends in the rest of the world... Happy Saturday!

cheers,
Debbi

PS: and if you'd like to see a couple of shots of a really cute little American Toad that hubs spotted for me in the driveway, click HERE and HERE